The longstanding NDP MP who admitted "pocketing" a pricey diamond ring has been charged with theft. Svend Robinson is charged with one count of theft over $5,000 and is due in a B.C. court next month.

In a stunning news conference last April, Robinson was joined by his partner Max Riveron as he confessed pocketing the $50,000 ring at a public auction.

Describing "an act that was totally inexplicable," Robinson sobbed as he told reporters, "I pocketed a piece of expensive jewelry."

"Something just snapped in this moment of total, utter irrationality."

He reported the incident to police four days after the incident.

The 25-year veteran of the NDP caucus told reporters he had been suffering "extreme stress and emotional pain" before the alleged shoplifting incident.

As a result, Robinson said he would be taking medical leave. The decision meant bowing out of his campaign for re-election in the suburban Vancouver riding of Burnaby-Douglas.

"I'm relieved that Svend finally knows what the disposition of this is," said Bill Siksay, Robinson's constituency assistant for the past 18 years, who is running for the NDP in the riding this election. "No one's been more worried about this than him."

The final decision to press the charge rested with B.C. special prosecutor Len Doust.

Robinson, who has retained high-profile Toronto defense attorney Clayton Ruby, is due in B.C. provincial court on July 8.

Since his election to the House of Commons in 1979, Robinson led a high-profile political career marked by his status as the first openly gay member of Parliament. He was elected in the riding of Burnaby-Douglas seven times, earning him the title of B.C.'s most senior parliamentarian.